Andy Withington, Highways England’s programme delivery manager for the north west, said: “This is an opportunity to combine existing technology and traffic management systems in a novel way to see whether we can give drivers using the frequently congested eastbound M62 lower journey times during peak hours and smoother, more reliable journeys.

“Once the system is fully up and running we’ll be monitoring its use over a period of up to a year.

“If it is successful – and we believe it will be – it could well be used on other motorway to motorway link roads across the country.”If the trial is successful their could be a nationwide rollout to the busiest junctions on UK motorways.

Recently it was also announced that the speed limits for motorway roadworks would also be increasing from 50mph to 60mph, in another bid to reduce congestion.

“Once the system is fully up and running we’ll be monitoring its use over a period of up to a year. If it is successful – and we believe it will be – it could well be used on other motorway to motorway link roads across the country.”

“The key aim of the project is to test the novel technology introduced through this pilot project and tackle congestion at peak travel times, especially during the morning rush hour.

“The link road traffic lights won’t be on all of the time, being limited to the morning peak, but the variable speed limit signs on the M62 eastbound will be working all the time when traffic conditions dictate.

“Therefore, when the system is operating, drivers will be expected to obey the traffic lights on the link roads and variable mandatory speed limits displayed on the new M62 electronic signs.”